Moving can be stressful enough without falling victim to a scam. Unfortunately, the moving industry isn’t immune to dishonest operators looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers. From bait-and-switch pricing to disappearing movers, these scams can leave you out thousands of dollars—and with none of your belongings in sight.
The good news? Most moving scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here’s how to protect yourself and your possessions when planning a move.
- Beware of Extremely Low Estimates
If one moving company offers a price that’s significantly lower than everyone else, be cautious. This is a common tactic known as the bait-and-switch: you’re quoted a low rate upfront, but once your belongings are loaded onto the truck, the price suddenly increases—sometimes by thousands. Always get quotes in writing and compare multiple companies.
- Make Sure the Company is Licensed and Insured
In the U.S., all interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid U.S. DOT number. You can check a company’s status on the FMCSA website. For local moves, check with your state’s licensing department. A legitimate company will have no problem sharing this information with you.
- Avoid Large Upfront Deposits
Reputable moving companies typically do not require large deposits before the move. If a company asks for more than 20% upfront—or insists on cash only—that’s a red flag. Most professional movers only collect payment after delivery.
- Look for a Real Business Address
Scam companies often list vague or fake addresses online. Always verify that the company has a legitimate physical location and not just a P.O. box or fake office. Google the address, check their website, and look at reviews. If the address pulls up an empty lot or convenience store, run.
- Read Reviews Carefully
Do your homework. Check third-party review sites like Google or Yelp. Watch out for too many generic 5-star reviews posted in a short time, or recurring complaints about lost items, surprise charges, or poor communication. If something feels off, trust your gut.
- Insist on a Visual or Virtual Estimate
Professional moving companies will either visit your home or conduct a video walkthrough to give an accurate estimate. Be cautious if a mover refuses and insists on giving a quote based only on your description. This often leads to major price changes on moving day.
- Review the Contract Closely
Don’t sign anything you haven’t read thoroughly. Make sure all services, fees, and timelines are clearly spelled out. If something seems vague or open-ended, ask for clarification or walk away. Keep a copy of every document you sign.
- Pay with a Traceable Method
Never pay in full upfront, and avoid giving cash unless absolutely necessary. Use a credit card or another secure payment method so you have some protection if things go wrong.
- Ask Questions—and Watch How They Answer
A legitimate moving company will gladly answer your questions and explain the process. If someone avoids your questions, gets defensive, or pressures you to book quickly, that’s a major warning sign.
- Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off about the communication, the quote, or the company’s behavior, trust that feeling. It’s better to delay the move than end up in a nightmare scenario.
Moving scams are real—but they’re avoidable. The key is to take your time, ask the right questions, and work with a professional, licensed mover who has a track record of trust.
At DA Moving, we pride ourselves on honesty, transparency, and top-notch service. No hidden fees. No last-minute surprises. Just a smooth, stress-free move handled by professionals you can count on. Contact us today for a quote you can trust.
